Austin Real Estate Market Insights — Plain Talk, Real Numbers
If you don't invite us we won't be offended — but we're really hoping for a dinner party at your new place.
It's no secret that the Austin housing market has been finding its footing since the pandemic-era surge. After record price increases through 2021 and 2022, the market has normalized — and right now, the data tells an interesting story for buyers and sellers alike. As a 5th-generation Austin native and licensed REALTOR® with Vista Realty Group, Kevin McAfee tracks these numbers closely so his clients can move with confidence, not guesswork.
For a deeper dive into the data behind Austin's housing market, Kevin publishes regular market reports and analysis at Austin Realty Insights — a dedicated resource for buyers, sellers, and anyone trying to understand what's really happening in Central Texas real estate.
Q1 2026 — Central Texas Housing Data
Source: Unlock MLS & Austin Board of REALTORS® — Q1 2026 Central Texas Housing ReportData reflects MLS-reported activity for the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos MSA. Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell counties. Updated Q1 2026.
Read the Full Market Report →What the Numbers Mean
A Market Shifting in Buyers' Favor — For Now
Q1 2026 marks the first time median home prices in the Austin metro have reached their lowest point since 2021. With inventory expanding and the close-to-list ratio declining, buyers are negotiating deeper discounts than they could have a year ago — and with pending sales up nearly 11% year-over-year, that window of maximum buyer leverage is beginning to close as demand returns.
For sellers, the story is nuanced: Travis County recorded a 4% year-over-year increase in closed sales in March 2026, and sellers who price accurately relative to today's adjusted market are still closing deals. Those who bought during the 2016–2019 window still hold significant equity, even after recent price normalization.
The bottom line is that this market rewards preparation. Whether you're buying or selling, knowing the data — by county, by neighborhood, by price tier — is the difference between a smart transaction and a frustrating one.
March 2026 — County-by-County Snapshot
| County | Median Price | Price Change | Closed Sales | Pending Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis County | ~$500,000 | ↓ 4.0% YoY | 1,210 (↑ 4.0%) | 1,483 (↑ 15.8%) |
| Williamson County | $410,000 | ↓ 2.0% YoY | 859 (↑ 1.2%) | 1,153 |
| Hays County | $381,250 | ↑ 0.8% YoY | 368 (↓ 6.1%) | — |
| MSA Total | $426,220 | ↓ 3.0% YoY | 2,593 (↑ 0.5%) | 3,357 (↑ 15.4%) |
Go Deeper
Austin Realty Insights — Market Intelligence for Buyers & Sellers
Kevin publishes in-depth Austin real estate market analysis at Austin Realty Insights — updated quarterly with data from the official ABoR Central Texas Housing Report. The site covers every corner of the metro: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell counties, down to specific ZIP codes and neighborhoods.
Tools available on Austin Realty Insights include a mortgage calculator for buyers, a net proceeds calculator for sellers, buyer market reports, and CMA requests — all backed by the same local expertise Kevin brings to every transaction.
Whether you're months away from making a move or ready to start tomorrow, the data is there when you need it.
Ready to Talk Numbers?
Kevin knows this market from the inside out — and he's happy to walk you through what the data means for your specific situation, at no cost and with no pressure.
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